My exploration into Freemasonry. The title, "Journey To The East" after Hemann Hesse's book by the same title. In college this book, along with Siddartha, were important to me. I have found so much misinformation about Mason's on the web that I feel compelled to share to factual information. You are welcomed to follow my "Journey To The East."

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Degrees of the Scottish Rite

Degrees were interesting tonight, 7,8 and 9
Cataract Lodge #2 sponsored the 7th degree.
I was the principle for the degree.
It struck me tonight, this experience is the closest thing in modern life to going through the initiation of a Knight.Degrees of the Scottish

7° - Provost & JudgeWe learn that impartial justice protects person, property, happiness and reputation. We are instructed to judge with patience and impartially. The apron of the 7th Degree is white edged with red, with a key and five rosettes. The jewel is a golden key. The duty is justice.

8° - Intendant of the Building We should strive for perfection by using the great principles of God's inherent love, charity, morality and kindness. The apron of the 8th Degree is white with red and green, with a balance, a nine-pointed star, and a triangle with the Hebrew letters BETH for Ben-Khurim; YOU for Jakinah; and ALEPH for Achar. The jewel of this Degree is a gold triangle with the same three letters. The duties are benevolence and charity.

9° - Elu of the Nine (Elected Knight of the Nine) Truth, candor and generosity. The foundation of Scottish Rite Masonry is most reflected in this degree. We should use these truths to shape our lives and conduct. The apron of the 9th Degree is white, lined with black and sprinkled with blood, with an arm holding a dagger and a severed head held by the hair. The jewel of this degree is a dagger, hilt of gold and blade of silver. The duties are enlightenment of soul and mind, vigilance, tolerance and being on guard for fanaticism and persecution